Community directory

Civil Partnerships

Same sex couples across the UK can now have their relationships legally recognised and any couple that registers a civil partnership will have the same rights as a married couple in areas like tax, social security, inheritance and workplace benefits.

Within the County of Hertfordshire, The Hertfordshire Registration Service is the body responsible for the Registration of Partnerships. The Registration Service is delighted to offer Partnership Ceremonies for couples wishing to mark and celebrate their commitment and devotion to each other with a formal and meaningful ceremony.

Partnerships can be registered by two people who are:

• of the same sex
• aged 16 years or over (with consent if under 18)
• not already married or in a civil partnership
• not closely related (eg parent, sister niece or uncle)

The first step in registering a civil partnership is to give notice of your intention to register at your local Register Office. Then after 15 clear days you can register your civil partnership by signing a civil partnership schedule in front of a Registrar and two witnesses.

Couple have the option of either a very quiet and private ceremony at a Register Office with just themselves and three other people present or a much larger ceremony before family and friends again at a Register Office or alternatively at an approved venue such as a hotel.

Whatever the choice, the Registrar will work with them on the planning and creation of a unique and personal ceremony which will draw on the wide range of options available and will incorporate individual choices of readings and music as desired.

For further information on Partnership Registration and on ceremonies and to make a booking please contact any of the Hertfordshire Register offices.